Haber says Suozzi 'ducking' debates

Adam Haber, a Democratic candidate for Nassau County executive, unveiled a website Thursday that attacks primary challenger and former County Executive Thomas Suozzi for "ducking" a series of debate invitations.

On the site suozzidebateduck.com, Haber notes that in Suozzi's previous Democratic primaries -- in 2001 against Thomas DiNapoli for county executive and in 2006 against Eliot Spitzer for governor -- Suozzi criticized his challengers publicly for turning down debates.

The website doesn't identify Haber as the author.

"These debates are an opportunity to move beyond scripted 30-second ads and really learn who the candidates are," Haber said at a news conference held at his Freeport campaign headquarters. "I'm asking, what is he [Suozzi] afraid of?"

Suozzi campaign spokesman Danny Kazin declined to comment.

In February, Haber's campaign challenged Suozzi to a series of 18 debates throughout the county leading up to the Sept. 10 Democratic primary. Suozzi has not debated with Haber and has avoided mentioning him throughout the campaign, instead focusing his comments on Republican County Executive Edward Mangano, who is up for re-election in November.

Haber said with five weeks left until the primary he hopes Suozzi will agree to a debate in a public forum.

"Voters deserve to have debates where the candidates answer the questions of the community," Haber said.